Doppler sensor for the derivation of torsional slip, friction and related parameters

ABSTRACT

An optical method and apparatus are described for the measurement of properties of a travel vehicle or a travel surface upon which the travel vehicle travels, which includes providing an incident light from a light source to the travel surface, collecting light reflected from the travel surface, determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incident and collected light and determining at least one of a motion property of the travel vehicle and a surface property of the travel surface based on the determined surface induced Doppler shift.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNos. 60/814,890, filed on Jun. 20, 2006, 60/814,891, filed on Jun. 20,2006 and 60/846,082, filed on Sep. 21, 2006. The full disclosures ofthese provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to motion sensors for motiverotation, and in particular to the use of Doppler techniques in laserradar (LIght Detection And Ranging, or LIDAR) sensors and, moreparticularly, to the use of a plurality of such sensors to comparevehicle velocity and wheel rotational velocity relative to the ground,as well as road bed curvature and road surface structure.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Existing technologies for comparison of vehicle velocity and wheelrotational velocity relative to the ground are primarily associated withstrain and force gauges that require physical contact with the dynamicelements to determine the requisite parameters. Any application relyingon frictional adhesion, or lack thereof, between rotating or translatingsurfaces or combinations thereof have wear and performance issues.Automotive applications rely on electronic sensors of axle parameterssuch as load and spin rate to infer tire slippage or, conversely, grip,adhesion and traction. There is a need for a system and method thatprovides direct measurement of vehicle velocity and wheel rotationalvelocity relative to the ground and does not require physical contactwith the dynamic elements.

In addition, existing technologies for determination of characteristicsof travel surfaces are primarily associated with Global PositioningSystems (GPS), inertial navigation systems, laser ranging systems thatutilize time of flight or triangulation principles, mechanical gaugingor camera based systems. None of these systems is capable of operatingat full highway or rail operational speeds to a high degree of accuracy.Laser velocimeters have been used to calculate vehicle paths in threedimensional space, but in general have not been used to determine roadbed curvature and width due to cost constraints.

As noted, existing technologies are primarily associated with systemsthat are deficient in temporal performance, cost or require mechanicalcontact. It would be beneficial to have a system that is non-contact,that is extremely robust and has substantial secondary benefits in termsof measuring velocity, vibration, displacement and other secondaryparameters. The sensor technology used in any system should be low incost, robust and should be deployable over large distances for remoteinterrogation of the inferred or directly measured parameters. Any suchsystem should be able to determine surface parameters down to microndimensions, or out to meters. That allows for rapid assessment ofsurface parameters that bear on path related parameters such as surfacetire adhesion, slip, friction, etc.

As an example, in the rail industry, the beams that measure curvaturecan also be used to measure rail integrity and/or integrity of the railballast bed. Rails should be constantly screened for out of tolerancecurvature and generally from operating equipment at rail speeds. Loosetrack can exhibit dynamic changes in curvature, providing a warning ofoncoming derailment. The same concept applies to highway maintenance andhighway vehicles on the verge of roll-over accidents. However, lack ofcost effective equipment capable of making such measurements is alimitation to condition based maintenance. Numerous other industrialrelated advantages may be seen in detecting material displacements inscenarios such as continuous process mills.

Additionally, steel wheels on rails rapidly develop damage in the railsurfaces (top and gauge face). Because of this, rails should beconstantly screened for surface defects and generally from operatingequipment at rail speeds. Numerous other industrial related advantagesmay be seen in detecting bearing raceway galling and incipient failures,as well as production assessment of continuous process mills. The sameconcept applies to highway maintenance, including bridges and othertravel surfaces. It would be beneficial to have equipment capable ofmaking such measurements so that proper maintenance can be made.

Existing technologies are primarily associated with laser rangingsystems that utilize time of flight or triangulation principles, speckleinterferometry, mechanical gauging or camera based systems. None ofthese systems is capable of operating at full highway or railoperational speeds.

Because of the limitations of the traditional techniques, there is aneed for characterization techniques and technology that can assesstravel surfaces. There is also a need for such techniques that providethe benefits and avoid the disadvantages discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides for the simultaneous measurementof 1) the rotational velocity of a surface rotating about an axis, and2) the forward velocity of the axis using LIDAR techniques. From thesemeasurements a sensor for the measurement of resistance, friction, slip,adhesion, grip, traction, or adhesion or related, derived parameters(degree of lock, wheel drag, etc.) may be derived. Derived parametersinclude but are not limited to the primary parameters of acceleration,distance, vibration, etc. and the secondary parameters including thosenoted in the preceding examples.

The invention also provides for the determination of characteristics ofa travel surface while traveling on the travel surface. Using opticalsensors on the sides of a vehicle traveling on the travel surface, lightreflected from the travel surface is collected by the optical sensors.By determining induced Doppler shifts, including Doppler signalbandwidths, from the light collected by the optical sensors,characteristics of the travel surface can be determined.

The invention also provides for the determination of characteristics ofa travel surface while traveling on the travel surface by providing anincident light from a light source to the travel surface, collectinglight reflected from the travel surface, determining a surface inducedDoppler shift from the incident and collected light and determining thesurface feature aspect ratio based on the determined surface inducedDoppler shift and secondary characteristics including bandwidth and/orintensity.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for measuring theproperties of a travel vehicle or a travel surface, upon which thetravel vehicle travels includes providing an incident light from a lightsource to the travel surface, collecting light reflected from the travelsurface, determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incidentand collected light and determining at least one of a motion property ofthe travel vehicle and a surface property of the travel surface based onthe determined surface induced Doppler shift. The step of determining atleast one of a motion property of the travel vehicle and a surfaceproperty of the travel surface may include determining a torsional slipof a rotating surface of a contact between the travel vehicle and thetravel surface, determining the surface feature aspect ratio of thetravel surface, and determining a degree of curvature of the travelsurface. Torsional slip can be positive (powered slip) or negative(drag, skid, etc.). An example of the former is slip that occurs whentoo much power is applied to the drive axles and examples of the latterare partially applied braking forces, which may include normalfrictional forces or abnormal engagement of the torsional elements suchas worn bearings, etc.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method for measuring torsionalslip includes measuring a tangential velocity of a surface rotatingabout an axis via a Doppler shifted return of a first laser beam,measuring a translational velocity of the axis via a Doppler shiftedreturn of a second laser beam and deriving a torsional slip of therotating surface from the difference between the tangential velocity andthe translational velocity. The rotating surface may be a drive surfaceof a wheel mounted on an axle of a vehicle carriage, the axle being theaxis, where the wheel may be a steel wheel of a locomotive. The firstand second laser beams may be generated by respective optical unitsmounted on the vehicle carriage, the first laser beam being directed toa rotating side surface of the wheel and the second laser beam beingdirected to a surface being driven by said wheel. The Doppler shiftedreturn of the first laser beam may be used to calculate the angularvelocity of the wheel, and the tangential velocity is calculated fromthe angular velocity and a radius of the wheel. Further from thisinformation, wheel diameter may be calculated in motion.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for measuring torsionalslip includes a mechanism for using a Doppler shifted return of a firstlaser beam to measure tangential velocity of a surface rotating about anaxis, a mechanism for using a Doppler shifted return of a second laserbeam to measure translational velocity of the axis and a mechanism forderiving the torsional slip of the rotating surface from the differencebetween the tangential velocity and the translational velocity. Theapparatus may also include a mechanism for using a Doppler shiftedreturn of a third laser beam to measure tangential velocity of a secondwheel mounted on the axis, wherein the first and third laser beams aregenerated by respective optical units mounted on the vehicle carriage,the first laser beam being directed to a rotating side surface of thewheel and the second laser beam being directed to a rotating sidesurface of the second wheel and a mechanism for deriving the relativetorsional slip of the wheel and the second wheel from the respectivetangential velocities of the wheel and the second wheel.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining thecharacteristics of a travel surface while traveling on the travelsurface includes providing an incident light from a light source to thetravel surface, collecting light reflected from the travel surface,determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incident andcollected light and determining surface feature aspect ratio based onthe determined surface induced Doppler shift. In addition, in anotheraspect of the present invention, a method for determiningcharacteristics of a travel surface while traveling on the travelsurface including providing a first optical sensor on one side of avehicle traveling on the travel surface, providing a second opticalsensor on an opposite side of the vehicle traveling on the travelsurface, where the one side and the opposite side are on opposite sidesof the vehicle and perpendicular to a direction of travel, collectinglight reflected from the travel surface by the first and second opticalsensors, determining induced Doppler shifts from the light collected bythe first and second optical sensors and determining at least onecharacteristic of the travel surface based on the determined inducedDoppler shifts.

Such sensors as described herein have considerable application in motiveapplications such as aircraft tire wear, automotive/racing tireapplications and railway operations. Secondary benefits of such anapplication include the simultaneous measurement of forward platformvelocity/acceleration/distance parameters and the simultaneousmeasurement of vibration in the structures. Numerous arrangements ofthis concept are possible such that combinations of tangential andtranslational velocities and their respective bandwidth and/or temporalbehaviors enable the measurement of resistance, slip, friction,vibration, surface figure, etc. in diverse operational embodiments. Thatincludes conditions in which the rotational axis does not translate buttorsional slip or velocity differences are encountered betweenrotational elements and/or stationary elements. Examples are a beltcoupled rotational shafts, magnetic/friction clutch elements, drillingbits and moving drilled waste (or stationary surface), etc. The latterconcept would as an example apply to oil/water drill rigs formeasurement of drill bit wear and drilling performance via extraction ofvelocity, vibration, acceleration and derived parameters. They are allbeholden to the same basic concepts as outlined herein and as may beutilized or rearranged by those understanding the art. These conceptsmay be augmented with those of U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,561, “DopplerRotational Velocity Sensor”, for added embodiments and increasedfunctionality.

The present invention is a method or technique for measuring the degreeof “slip” of a torsional element (e.g., a wheel on a surface) viatwo-beam Doppler velocimetry or combinations of velocity sensors. Theresulting Doppler measurements may be used to determine slip (or lock,drag, etc.) as well as forward velocity and induced vibrational spectra.

In the Virginia Tech (VT) LIDAR Laboratory, we have demonstrated simplevelocimeter LIDARs based on low cost optical fiber sources and networksfor the non-contact measurement of velocity on arbitrary surfaces.Similar functions may be effected by use of conventional free-spaceoptical systems as well. We have demonstrated the ability to measuredifferential velocities such as represented by the disclosed sensorscenario and derive or infer primary or secondary information from thebasic velocity data. In the case of the present invention, velocitydifference measurements of from fractions of an inch to over twentymeters away from objects have been demonstrated. Velocities from 0.005m/s to over 1000 m/s have been measured with these devices.

As noted, existing technologies are primarily associated with strain,force and rate sensors that require physical contact with the dynamicelements to determine the requisite parameters. The method describedherein is a non-contact modality that is extremely robust and hassubstantial secondary benefits in terms of measuring vibration and othersecondary parameters. The sensor technology used is low in cost, robustand many be deployed over large distances for remote interrogation ofthe inferred or directly measured parameters. Many measurement scenariospreviously impossible are enabled with the present invention. Theconcepts disclosed herein find analogous applications in medical andsports applications as well as the noted industrial, commercial,environmental and military applications.

As an example, in the rail industry, steel wheels on rails have a steadystate slip ratio of approximately 1-7%. Measuring slip in dynamic trackoperations with feedback control to the engine for torque control cansave large amounts of fuel and attendant costs for long or short hauloperations. Measuring high slip ratios (>30%) implies safety relatedmalfunctions such as wheel lock, bearing/brake drag, wheel flangeengagement, etc. Measurement yielding zero or near zero slip ratios areindications of effective lubrication or a lack of application of brakingforces when they are required. The measurement of grip in NASCAR racingcars can provide real-time control information to the drivers forwinning advantages and simultaneously, if integrated, provide superiortire wear information for pit stops. Numerous other industrial relatedadvantages may be seen in detecting bearing race way galling andincipient failures.

Again, as an example of a particular application, requirements existacross the rail industry for the simple measurement of rail friction,either by direct measurement methods (e.g., mechanical gauges) or byinferred methods. The velocity difference between the tangentialvelocity of a driven, rotating rail wheel and the velocity of thewheel's centroid (e.g., axle or box platform) over the rail is directlyrelated to the wheel slip factor, and therefore the frictional gripbetween the wheel and the rail. Sensors that can measure that velocitydifference in real-time operations can therefore be used to directlymeasure and monitor rail friction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be set forth indetail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a single beam, optical fiber sensor schematicused for non-contact monitoring;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing operation of the primary structures of theinvention in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram shoving operation of the primary structures of theinvention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the two channel optics module mounted underthe test vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a time graph of independent tangential tire velocity andvehicle ground speed during up-hill acceleration on a gravel road;

FIG. 6 is a time graph showing the slip ratio for the data shown in FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a computer screen shot for acquisition of the data of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a time graph showing differential velocity between tire andground at speeds without acceleration;

FIG. 9 is a time graph showing a coefficient of slip for the velocitydata of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a computer screen shot for acquisition of the data of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a photograph of the underside of the test vehicle showing theoptical test configuration for testing drive tire differentialvelocities;

FIG. 12 is a photograph of an incline on a gravel road used for areverse acceleration test;

FIG. 13 is a time graph of left and right drive tire tangentialvelocities on the gravel road during a reverse accelerated test;

FIG. 14 is a time graph showing drive tire differential slip ratio forthe reverse acceleration test on the gravel road;

FIG. 15 is a photograph of the underside of the test vehicle showing thelateral Doppler optic on a stiff extension from a tangential opticholding fixture;

FIG. 16 is a time graph of tire sidewall lateral velocity as related totire tangential velocity (longitudinal velocity) during a test drive;

FIG. 17 is a slide describing the data acquisition software, includingscreen shots for the slip panel, vector panel and curvature panel;

FIG. 18 is a slide showing data for a locomotiveacceleration-deceleration cycle with steady state run;

FIG. 19 is a slide showing data for a locomotive acceleration slip inreverse motion;

FIG. 20 is a slide showing data for a locomotive deceleration slip withpassive friction braking;

FIG. 21 is a slide showing data for a locomotive deceleration withautomatic brake;

FIG. 22 is a slide showing data for a locomotive deceleration withregenerative braking;

FIG. 23 is a slide showing data for a locomotive pushing against carshoes brakes;

FIG. 24 is a slide showing data for passive wheel acceleration;

FIG. 25 is a slide showing data for passive wheel deceleration;

FIG. 26 is a slide showing spectral signatures data;

FIG. 27 is a slide showing data for trackside tests;

FIG. 28 is a slide showing results for trackside wheel signaturevariance;

FIG. 29 is a slide showing results for trackside Doppler spectralvariations;

FIG. 30 is a slide showing added trackside monitoring results andconsiderations;

FIG. 31 illustrates the concepts employed in the characterization ofcurvature of travel surfaces with FIG. 31( a) illustrating the track ofthe car with respect to the curve, with FIG. 31( b) showing the beamdirection with respect to travel direction and FIG. 31( c) showing howthe left and right velocities are measured, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 32 provides illustrations of the mounting of optics on the railcars, with FIG. 32( a) illustrating the right side optics and FIG. 32(b) illustrating the left side optics, according to at least oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 provides an illustration of the surfaces of a rail;

FIG. 34 provides experimental results, with FIG. 34( a) illustrating agraph of degree of curvature over time and FIG. 34( b) providing a graphof the degree of curvature;

FIG. 35 provides experimental results, with FIG. 35( a) illustrating agraph of degree of curvature over time and FIG. 35( b) providing a graphof the degree of curvature;

FIG. 36 illustrates configuration s of the present invention used tomeasure rail gauge variance, with FIG. 36( a) providing a top-down viewand FIG. 36( b) providing a view along the rails;

FIG. 37 provides experimental results, with FIG. 37( a) illustrating agraph of gauge variance over distance and FIG. 37( b) a graph of gaugevariance over distance, according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 38 provides a graph showing experimental results of vehiclecurvature, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 provides a graph shoving experimental results of degrees ofvehicle curvature according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 40 provides a graph showing experimental results of vehicle turningradii, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 illustrates a process of characterizing travel surfaces, withFIG. 41( a) illustrating speed versus time and FIG. 41( b) showing thedifferent Doppler shift for different travel surfaces, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 provides a schematic of how surface induced Doppler shifting canbe measured;

FIG. 43 illustrates the process of signal averaging to providequantifiable results, with FIGS. 43( a), 43(b) and 43(c) showing noaveraging, 100 averages and 10,000 averages, respectively;

FIG. 44 illustrates portions of the rail that are examined, according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 illustrates multiple spectral signals for multiple types oftravel surfaces;

FIG. 46 illustrates multiple spectral surface signatures for multipletypes of travel surfaces;

FIG. 47 provides surface roughness for a lower face, gauge surface of arail, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 48 provides surface roughness for a top surface of a rail,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 illustrates the relationship between the ballast beam and therails, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 50 illustrates roughness of the right rail and the ballast,according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to multiple embodiments that are usedin determining properties of road surfaces and the performance ofvehicles on those road surfaces. A first section is directed to methodsand systems for the determination of resistance friction, torsional slipand related properties through optical Doppler techniques. A secondsection is directed to methods and systems for determining curvature andwidth of the road surface through optical Doppler techniques. A thirdsection is directed to methods and systems for determining road surfacestructure and integrity through optical Doppler techniques. A fourthsection is directed to methods and systems suited for medical and sportsapplications using novel Doppler techniques.

Measurement of Resistance, Friction, Slip Adhesion or Related, DerivedParameters

The underlying technology for the present invention is a methodology andconcepts for pairing simple, coherent optical fiber networks withaveraging Fourier Transform analysis of optical detector signals toimplement cost effective, eyesafe, non-contacting motion (velocity)sensors unique to applications in which the desired information isderived or inferred from the analysis of a Doppler frequency spectrumvia an algorithm unique to the particular application. The presentinvention is a new sensor embodiment derived from simple coherent LIDARforms, i.e. a torsional slip sensor implemented with a derivativemethodology using Doppler/time varying LIDAR principles.

If the simultaneous measurement of translational and rotational velocityvia Doppler techniques is applied to the velocity difference between thetangential velocity of a surface rotating about an axis and the forwardvelocity of the axis, the resistance, friction, slip or adhesion(hereafter “torsional slip”) of the rotating surface may be derived.Such sensors have considerable application in motive applications suchas aircraft tire wear, automotive and racing tire applications andrailway operations. Secondary benefits of such an application includethe simultaneous measurement of forward platformvelocity/acceleration/distance parameters and the simultaneousmeasurement of vibration in the structures.

Numerous arrangements of this concept are possible such thatcombinations of tangential and translational velocities enable themeasurement of torsional slip in diverse operational embodiments. Theyare all beholden to the same basic concepts as outlined herein and asmay be utilized or rearranged by those understanding the art. Theseconcepts may be augmented with those of U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,561,“Doppler Rotational Velocity Sensor,” for added embodiments andincreased functionality.

To review then, the basic concept of an optical fiber doppler sensor isshown in FIG. 1. As noted, free-space LIDARs may be used with theequivalent functions being enabled by discrete optical elementsseparated by air paths. In the figure, light from a Fiber coupled lasersource or optical fiber laser 101 is routed through a directionaloptical fiber element 102 to a remote measurement surface 103. Lightscattered from the surface and returned to the fiber is guided todetector elements 104 by the fiber network in such a manner as tointerfere with a portion of the source light. The low frequencyinterference is generally not analyzed, and the Doppler shift on thescattered light is analyzed 106 in detailed frequency and phase spectra.

Numerous rearrangements of the basic optical schematic of FIG. 1 havebeen tested in all conventional LIDAR modalities as adapted to thecurrent invention. Critical to any intended modality or function,however, is a spectral processing architecture that is adaptable to thespecific sensor function. For the disclosed reduction to practiceexamples, a program used for multi-mode LIDAR has been adapted to tracksensed activity in multiple modes. The program allows for adaptive,post-spectral processing of the Doppler signatures in terms of peakdetection (center Doppler frequency), Doppler bandwidth, sample ratefilter functions, thresholding, background subtraction, temporaltracking, etc. These functions must be adapted to the specific noisecharacteristics, parasitic parameters and function of the implementednetwork.

Historically, the rise of Doppler velocimetry in sensing applicationshas been associated specifically with the measurement of the directvelocity component of motion extracted from the Doppler shift imposed onthe coherent radiation source (laser, RF, acoustic, etc.) used for thesensing task. In this “sense” or definition, velocity, its integral(e.g. distance, range, displacement, etc.) or its differential (e.g.acceleration) has been the specific target of the measurement technique.Velocity, distance or acceleration are therefore inherent, primaryparameters of the measurement, related by simple differentials orintegrals. It is not obvious that the secondary characteristics (i.e.parameters) of the primary Doppler parameters may be used in determininga sensate's nature or specifics as derived from combinations of primaryand secondary Doppler characteristics. In this manner, parameters may be“derived” from the primary Doppler via unconventional techniques. As anexample of “Derived Parameter Sensing”, the bandwidth of the Dopplersignal often contains significant information on the stability of thesensed object that may be extracted via temporal or other analyses toextract parameters of substantial or consequential interest. In such amanner, the torsional spin components on a golf ball may be determined.Other examples claimed herein include the derivation of slip, frictionor wheel lock from differential Doppler between two or more lidar beams,the derivation of surface roughness (e.g. surface figure), theextraction of biological rhythms (e.g. breathing, pulse rate) and themeasurement of sports/biophysical related performance/status such asintrinsic tremor, “sway” in gait function, etc. Derived Doppler methodsare therefore claimed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a primary embodiment of the invention as a torsional slipsensor for wheeled platforms on driven surfaces. Here the opticstranslate with the reference frame of the forward moving axis, as inrailway locomotives or automotive racing applications. Alternately, asshown in FIG. 3, the optics may be fixed to the reference frame of astationary surface and detect Doppler from the forward moving axis as itis passing, as in trackside railway locomotives or roadside automotiveracing applications.

The development of non-contact Doppler instrumentation and techniquesfor vehicle dynamics has proceeded with the completion and testing of atwo channel portable system. Two channel tests were conducted on avehicle of convenience in such configurations as to demonstrate directapplication in a variety of vehicle dynamic applications. Results fromthese tests are presented herein as a synopsis of results. The specificgoal was the demonstration of the measurement of the coefficient ofslip, friction or the degree of lock/drag for railway application asapplied aboard rolling stock (engines drive, idling wheel bearingfriction) or trackside diagnostics of such parameters. However, theinvention may be applied with equal validity on an automotive platform,which will now be demonstrated.

For brevity, the results are presented as graphics in accordance withthe test sequence. Data are taken at VT tower access road facility on 15inch Michelin LTX-A/T tires mounted on 4×2 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Roadconditions are dry, 65 degrees F., hard packed crushed rock surface withloose aggregate or standard secondary road macadam.

The first test configuration tested terramechanic traction, i.e.“spinning out” on gravel. In this test, longitudinal drive tire slip isdeliberately induced via breakaway acceleration. Two channelmeasurements of vehicle ground velocity and wheel tangential velocityare then used to directly compute slip coefficient according to the SAEstandard formulation of:

C _(s)=(V _(w) −V)/V _(w)  (1)

where C_(s) is slip coefficient, V_(w) is the tangential velocity of thedriven wheel and V is the velocity of the vehicle. FIG. 4 shows the twochannel optics mounted under the test vehicle. The upper optical channel1205 is aimed at the sidewall 1210 of the tire, as shown by the dashedline to the circle 1210, and illustrates the point of measurement forthe tangential tire velocity. Ground velocity is taken by the loweroptical channel 1215 parallel to the optical axis for the tangentialmeasurement but displaced 1.75 inches horizontally so as to interceptthe ground surface 1220 instead of the tire sidewall 1210, as shown bythe dotted line to the circle 1220.

FIG. 5 shows independent tangential velocity of tire and vehicle groundspeed. FIG. 6 shows the slip ratio for the data of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 showsthe computer acquisition screen for the data of FIG. 5.

Data is taken using the two channel slip instrumentation along themacadam of Price's Fork road. Road conditions are dry, 65 degrees F.Accelerations are controlled to avoid deliberate or induced tire slip.Coefficient of slip is measured by the disclosed technique between 5%and 30+% where noticeable. FIG. 8 shows the differential velocitybetween tire and ground at steady-state highway speed. FIG. 9 shows thecoefficient of slip for the velocity data of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows acomputer acquisition screen for the data of FIG. 9.

Rearranging the test optics so that one channel is focused on the leftrear tire sidewall 2210 (original channel left in place) and so that thesecond channel is focused symmetrically on the right rear tire sidewall2220, as shown in FIG. 11, allows measurement of velocity differencesand the slip differential velocity between the drive wheels. Multipletests on gravel and highways were conducted.

Tests presented in the current section used a backing acceleration up agravel road incline, with a 90 degree curve as the demonstrationelement. FIG. 13 shows the left and right drive tire tangentialvelocities on the gravel road during a reverse acceleration test. FIG.14 shows the tire differential slip ratio for the reverse accelerationtest on the gravel road. This concept allows trackside measurements ofrail curvature as well as wheel to wheel frictional variance.

Next we tested tire sidewall velocity/vibration as compared totangential velocity. In this series of tests, as shown in FIG. 5, thetangential velocity channel 2610 is left as previously configured. Aseparate, smaller optic 2620 is then used to detect tire velocity normalto the longitudinal or tangential axis, i.e. lateral sidewall velocity.In this configuration, a smaller (0.4 in diameter) lateral sense opticis mounted closer to the tire (3 inches) than the 21 inch focal distanceused for the tangential channel. The later channel mount is a 0.5 indiameter stainless rod of approximately 18 in long. Consequently somecantilever modal vibration is expected in the mounting fixture. Quicktests imply that this velocity source magnitude is small relative to thevelocity magnitude measured for the tire sidewall itself. The results ofthe test are shown in FIG. 16, where the upper line graphs the speed ofthe tire tread tangential velocity and the lower line graphs thesidewall lateral velocity.

Tests were also successfully conducted to validate the ability tosimultaneously measure vehicle chassis motions, including lateralside-slip/grip/traction (spin-out), sway, vertical motion, vibration asa function of slip/grip, and road surface condition from Dopplerbandwidth.

Test performance indicates robust non-contact performance of thedisclosed concept for a wide variety of vehicle dynamics. Non-contactstandoff distances may be accommodated with simple optical systems outto ranges approaching 100 feet from the dynamic target depending on theoptics employed. With appropriate optical power and configuration, thatrange is not essentially limited.

More importantly, the disclosed data verifies the invention with regardto all torsional dynamics and proves an expanded range of embodiments inrelated dynamics. The goal of the tests was to validate application ofthe invention for automotive and railroad applications as appropriate towheel/drive dynamics. The test results validated that a wider range ofembodiments is supported by the invention.

For railroad applications, the invention may be expanded to include onboard or trackside diagnostics for rail, wheel and rail bed surfacecondition as derived from the bandwidth of the Doppler. Rail, wheel, andcar vibration may also be included, as derived from the bandwidth andspectral content of the Doppler. Rail geometric factors, such asbending, warping, and curvature from measurement of the Doppler frombeam configurations that observe the effective velocity of the rail froman adjacent wheel or side of a rolling stock item can also be measuredwith the invention. For example, two beams looking from the left to theright and from the right to the left, focused on the rail while thetrain is moving, can be used to measure velocity and range via LIDARprinciples that are directly reflective of local and regional trackgeometry, car velocity, acceleration, and motion dynamics.

The invention can also be expanded to include wheel slip, drag or lockapplications. These include wheel vibration, bearing condition, degreeof brake engagement (including the lack of brake engagement),chassis-track motion dynamics, chassis ground motion, and additionalmotion axes for single, differential or multiple wheel or axle vehicles.Rolling or trackside dynamics measurements in vertical, horizontal,acceleration and integrated displacement can also be included. Further,weather and equipment condition assessments can be made, such as tracklook-ahead visibility for safety and track surface defects.

All of the foregoing modes are likewise covered by the invention forautomotive, trucking or aircraft applications. These include automotiveside-slip, rolling or related wheel and chassis or drive dynamics, suchas sideslip of a race-car chassis in turns or coefficient of grip. Wheelbalance, sidewall surface figure and flex, internal pressure wavedetection and imaging can also be measured with the invention.Terramechanics data appropriate to grip on various surfaces can also bedetected, enabling coverage for soil, paving and hydroplaning surfaceswith simultaneous measurement of the condition of the driving surface.Road surface condition and characterization can be obtained from theDoppler bandwidth using the invention. Thus, the invention provides amajor sensor diagnostic to the transportation industry in general.

Verification of the technique implemented by the invention alsovalidates the application of similar measurements to dynamicenvironments across disciplines, in view of the similarity in theoperating dynamics and physics. For example, medical applications of theinvention could include gait dynamics used for the measurement ofphysiological joint resistance. Skin surface imperfections and conditioncan be measured via scanned lidar beams interpreted for bandwidth andcenter frequency as disclosed for highway surface figure. Temporalanalysis of Doppler waveforms from body walls was demonstrated to yieldthe derived parameters of pulmonary and cardiac rate. Sportsapplications would include the rotation dynamics of gymnasts orequipment parameters such as the tractional grip of shoes, skis, etc.Spin on sports apparatus, such as golf balls may be analyzed for eitherthe athlete's performance or the performance of the equipment itself.With respect of optical fiber implementations, we have further verifiedthat the invention may be applied through multi-mode optical fibers andextreme high temperature optical fibers such as sapphire. Thesevalidations expand the range of applicability of the disclosedtechniques to include extreme high temperature environments, that is,over 2000 degrees centigrade. That allows measurements in extremelyharsh environments such as oil well drilling shafts to assess bit drilland cutting performance.

The following discloses definitive test and application of the inventionon railroad wheels for the measurement of slip and friction,supplementing the foregoing discussion which substantiates the conceptfor automotive applications relating to tires.

FIG. 17 describes the data acquisition software, including screen shotsfor the slip panel vector panel and curvature panel. The software usesLabview based experimental codes, Virginia Tech acquisition software forhigh speed and spectral data (maximum data rate of 50 Hz), and YankeeEnvironmental Systems Inc. (YES Inc.) codes for long durationmonitoring, curvature, and surface data (with a data rate of 4 Hz).

FIG. 18 shows data for locomotive acceleration-deceleration cycle withsteady state run where there was smooth acceleration and deceleration,with a locomotive weight of 261,000 lbs, P=47.25 MPa, a 2 cm contactpatch is assumed, a frictional coefficient of 0.2463, a variance of 1.5%(with 0.2% attributed to acceleration vs deceleration), and an averageslip in the range of 2.6%.

FIG. 19 shows data for locomotive acceleration slip in reverse motion,with the same values as in FIG. 18 except a variance of 1.0% and anaverage slip in the range of 1.3%.

FIG. 20 shows data for locomotive deceleration slip with passivefriction braking, that is, deceleration with no active, hard brakingapplied. The differences from FIG. 19 were a frictional of 0.246 avariance of 2.5%, and an average slip in the range of 7.1%.

FIG. 21 shows data for locomotive deceleration with an automatic brake,with the same values as in FIG. 19 except a variance of 1.6% and anaverage slip in the range of 1.55%.

FIG. 22 shows data for locomotive deceleration with regenerativebraking, with the same values as in FIG. 18 except a frictionalcoefficient in the range 0.244 to 0.355, a variance of 44% and anaverage slip in the range of 10%.

FIG. 23 shows data for a locomotive pushing against hard car shoesbrakes in parking maneuvers, with the same values as in FIG. 18 except africtional coefficient of 0.246, a variance of 0.16% and an average slipin the range of −30% to +90%, the slip range likely due to beamdisplacement.

FIG. 24 shows data for passive wheel acceleration in a tangential track,with a caboose weight of 103,000 lbs, P=18.8 MPa, an assumed contactpatch of 2 cm, a frictional coefficient of 0.362, a variance of 0.08%,and an average slip in the range of 0.5%.

FIG. 25 Shows data for passive wheel deceleration in a tangential track,with the same values as in FIG. 24 except a frictional coefficient of0.317, a variance of 0.12%, and an average slip in the range of 0.8%.

FIG. 26 shows spectral signatures data, and summarizes the results,namely, that spectral signatures are functions of a sum of all velocitydynamics, as well as vibration, out-of-plane rotations, interceptedfocal beam diameter, etc. Further abnormal signatures standout and maybe used to infer conditions and the state of the target surface.

FIG. 27 shows data for trackside tests, which expand the concept of theinvention to include off-vehicle testing. The testing was done on twotrains, one eastbound with 1 inch optic @ 18 ft standoff, anotherwestbound with 2 inch Optic @ 36 ft standoff.

FIG. 28 shows results for trackside wheel signature variance, indicatingacquisition limits for the tested configuration (˜15% wheel-wheelvariance, dominated by sampling time limitations, requires track acrosselevated wheel chord) but noting that these limitations are notfundamental. Trackside operation requires triggered acquisition toachieve friction detection levels of less than 1% slip, and compensationfor local track curvature (which is in the range of 3%).

FIG. 29 shows results for trackside Doppler spectral variations, whichare caused by wheel rotation parameters, and out of plane surfaces,vibration, and multiple targets in beams (i.e. spatial or temporalclutter).

FIG. 30 shows additional trackside monitoring results andconsiderations. System performance and functionality are observed toincrease with design for objectives. Vibration sensing distinguishesbetween the wheel and targeted infrastructure. Hunting is an observedaspect of motion dynamics and artifacts.

Measurement of Road Bed Curvature and Width

An optical method for the measurement of the curvature and/or width of avehicle path is disclosed. Similarly, lateral motion velocities of thevehicle may be used to determine width/displacement parameters withrespect to the path. In particular, one focus is on the measurement ofdynamic curvature in rail or automotive applications and the separationbetween rails on a railroad system, i.e. “gauge.” The present inventionis applicable to other vehicular systems and is well suited todetermining vehicle lateral displacements. For instance, the sameequation base and concepts may be used to measure the “hunting” motionof rail wheel “trucks” or displacements caused by wear ruts/depressionson highway surfaces.

The method includes a simultaneous measurement capability for platformvelocity/acceleration dynamics, displacement and vibration and may beapplied for condition based maintenance, surface-surface interactions orother reasons to a wide variety of vehicle systems. Particularapplication is proposed for measurement of highway and rail surfacecondition for rapid assessment of the integrity of transportationsinfrastructure at full operational speeds.

The invention is a method or technique for measuring the curvatureand/or width of a vehicle path via the use of laser Doppler velocimetry.The method makes use of the fact that in a curve, the velocity on oneside of a vehicle is different than on the other side of a vehicle. Thedifference in these velocities as measured by Doppler velocimetry orother means may be used to calculate the curvature of the path in realtime. Similarly, lateral motion velocities of the vehicle may be used todetermine width/displacement parameters with respect to the path. Inparticular, the focus here is on the measurement of the separationbetween rails on a railroad system, i.e. “gauge,” but the measurement isapplicable to other vehicular systems as well to determine lateraldisplacements.

Further, the velocity signatures may be used to simultaneously assessvehicle or surface dynamics such as displacement (integrated velocity),acceleration (derivative of velocity) and feature spectralcharacteristics (i.e. frequency of occurrence).

The present invention is enabled by any form of Laser Doppler system,but has been demonstrated through use of optical fiber laser Dopplervelocimeters. The present invention is also an improvement to existingmethods of measuring highway/rail surface curvature, in that it allowsinspection of the curvature or “gauge” type parameters at fulloperational highway or rail speeds. That is in marked contrast tolarger, expensive laser based ranging systems with limited spatialresolution on the highway and which require reduced operational speedsto interrogate the surface.

Specifically, if the simultaneous measurement of velocity via Dopplertechniques is applied differentially across a vehicle body, thecurvature of the vehicle's path may be easily calculated. Such sensorshave considerable application in motive applications such as highway andrailway maintenance operations. Secondary benefits of such anapplication include the simultaneous measurement of forward platformvelocity/acceleration/distance/displacement parameters and thesimultaneous measurement of vibration in the structure or platform.Numerous embodiments of the present invention are possible such thatcombinations of tangential and translational velocities enable themeasurement or computation of displacement, acceleration and position.They are all beholden to the same basic concepts as outlined herein andas may be utilized or rearranged by those understanding the art.

Curvature Equations use ground or rail beams with equal forward orreverse bias angles. FIG. 31 illustrates the basic concept of thedisclosed invention as applied to rail curvature in particular. FIG. 31(a) illustrates how the velocities on each side of the track differ as acar is on the curved section. For the tangential track case:

-   -   Given:        -   V_(l)=Left Ground Velocity        -   V_(r)=Right Ground Velocity        -   g=Separation between beam rail/ground intercepts (normally            equal to rail gauge 56½ inches, 4.708 ft.)    -   Radius of Curvature, R, “g” units

$R = {g\frac{V_{r}}{V_{l} - V_{r}}}$V_(l)>V_(r), Right Positive Curvature  (2)

$R = {g\frac{V_{l}}{V_{l} - V_{r}}}$V_(l)<V_(r), Left Negative Curvature  (3)

Then curvature, k=1/R, and Degrees of Curvature for a 100 ft arc isthen:

D _(oc)=100*57.2958*k degrees

For a curved track, with front of car mounting:

-   -   σ=Forward Bias angle to the rail/ground, radians    -   L=Length of Car Chassis (normally equal to −50 ft.)

$R = {\frac{L}{2\; \sigma}\frac{V_{r} + V_{l}}{V_{r} - V_{l}}}$V_(l)>V_(r), Right Positive Curvature  (4)

$R = {\frac{L}{2\; \sigma}\frac{V_{r} + V_{l}}{V_{r} - V_{l}}}$V_(l)<V_(r), Left Negative Curvature  (5)

It has been demonstrated that simple velocimeter LIDARs based on lowcost optical fiber sources can provide non-contact measurement ofvelocity on arbitrary surfaces. The present invention establishes theability to measure differential velocities such as represented by thedisclosed sensor scenario and derive or infer primary or secondaryinformation from the basic velocity data. Velocity differencemeasurements from fractions of an inch to over 20 meters away fromobjects have been demonstrated and documented. Velocities from 0.005 m/sto over 1000 m/s have been measured with these devices.

A methodology for pairing simple, coherent optical fiber networks withaveraging Fourier transform analysis of optical detector signals toimplement cost effective, eye-safe, non-contacting motion (velocity)sensors is disclosed. The desired information is derived or inferredfrom the analysis of a Doppler frequency spectrum via an algorithmunique to the particular application. Specifically, the simultaneousmeasurement of velocity along two axes in vehicle applications viaDoppler techniques allows the direct assessment of vehicle/pathcurvature. The difference between Doppler velocities measured alongcertain geometric arrangements may be used to directly compute pathvariance. The present invention has been shown to be equally valid inautomotive or other vehicular applications. Such sensors haveconsiderable application in motive applications such as highway andrailway operations, but can be extended into autonomous vehicles andaerospace applications.

Secondary benefits of such an application include the simultaneousmeasurement of forward platform velocity/acceleration/distanceparameters and the simultaneous measurement of surface parameters.Numerous arrangements of this concept are possible such thatcombinations of Doppler bandwidth and translational frequencies enablethe measurement of numerous parameters in diverse operationalembodiments. They are all beholden to the same basic concepts asoutlined herein and as man be utilized or rearranged by thoseunderstanding the art.

As discussed above, the present invention uses the velocity differencebetween the left and right tracks to obtain curvature. The mounting ofthe sensors on the right and left sides of the rail car is illustratedin FIGS. 32( a) and 32(b), respectively. The use of the Dopplerbandwidth to obtain information about surface integrity may also beemployed. The surfaces of the track are identified in FIG. 33, showingthe top rail surface, the gauge face, the lower gauge surface and theballast region. The orientation of the sensor beams may be as slipbeams, curvature beams, 3.5 degrees off rail lower gauge, face normal,rail surface figure beams, rail top and gauge flat and ballast integritybeams.

The present invention demonstrates the use of simple velocimeter LIDARsbased on low cost optical fiber sources and networks for the non-contactmeasurement of velocity on arbitrary surfaces. An example of such anoptical fiber Doppler sensor is discussed above. Therein, a laser sourceprovides a pulse through a fiber to provide a source, from which a shiftcan be determined. The shifted light is likewise collected by the lensand is coupled to the detector, where the signal is amplified andprocessed, to obtain an output spectrum.

The optical fiber Doppler sensors can be fiber Doppler sensors, based onoptical fibers and elements used in telecommunications and can utilize awide variety of functions and applications. The sensors have advantagessuch as having compact and lightweight fiber elements, having lowercosts than other sensors and use eye-safe EDFA wavelengths ofapproximately 1.55 μm. The sensors also require minimal maintenance dueto an integrated, flexible optical path.

Experimental results are provided in FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. 34( a) showsthe degree of curvature over time that can be compared with the degreeof curvature independently obtained by methods using GPS or GlobalPositioning System shown in FIG. 34( b). FIG. 35( a) shows the degree ofcurvature over time for a tight right curve that can be compared withthe degree of curvature independently obtained by methods using GPS orGlobal Positioning System shown in FIG. 35( b). Overall, the presentinvention provides an accurate degree of curvature that compares veryfavorably with independent methods.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the methodsmay be applied to measure rail gauge variance. As shown in FIG. 36( a),the beam paths have much more shallow forward angles with respect to therails and the forward motion of the rail car. The velocity from beams onthe lower gauge face, as shown in FIG. 36( b) are integrated andvariances can be recorded as changes in rail gauge. This embodiment canalso be employed to check car dynamics; e.g. “Hunting” may also bedetected. In addition, the use of the slight forward bias angle allowsfor signed velocity to be identified.

Gauge equations use rail beams with equal forward or reverse biasangles. In the tangential track case, given: V_(l)=Left Ground Velocity,ΔV_(l)=change in velocity and V_(r)=Right Ground Velocity, ΔV_(r)=changein velocity. Also, g=separation between beam rail intercepts, which isnormally equal to rail gauge 56½ inches, 4.708 ft, Δg=change in gauge,positive for increasing gauge and Δt=Time difference betweenmeasurements, in seconds:

If  Δ V_(l) > 0  AND  Δ V_(r) > 0 ORΔ V_(l) < 0  AND  Δ V_(r) < 0Then  Δ g = Δ t(Δ V_(l) + Δ V_(l))${{Else}\mspace{14mu} \Delta \; g} = \frac{\Delta \; {t\left( {{\Delta \; V_{l}} + {\Delta \; V_{l}}} \right)}}{2}$

For the curved track case, depending on mounting location, the trackcurvature must be measured using appropriate equations and curvaturemust be compensated prior to assessing gauge variance. Results ofmeasurements of rail gauge variances are presented in FIGS. 37( a) and37(b) for two different tests. It is noted that the typical Dopplerresolution is sufficient to support ⅛ to ¼ inch gauge variance over atrack length of 30 feet.

Using the above described setup, several parameters can be measuredand/or derived. Tire velocities may be recorded for slip-frictionmeasurements, as provided in FIG. 38. Simple difference equations, asdiscussed above, resolve vehicle path curvature, where experimentalresults of that curvature are provided in FIG. 39. Ground truth measuredresults conformed to measured Doppler Data derived values, corroboratingtheir accuracy. FIG. 40 also provides turning radius data that is alsoderivable from the measured Doppler shifted results.

The foregoing examples demonstrate the ability of the disclosed Dopplertechniques to adapt to a wide variety of mechanical elements forperformance assessments of parameters such as path curvature and gaugethat may be used via numerical modeling to derive geographic informationunder real-time operations that are difficult to do with other existingtechniques. The ability to simultaneously provide performanceassessments of vehicle velocity and the supporting bed (e.g. rails orhighway), can allow for a wide scope of sensor functions frommaintenance to feedback control of drive mechanisms that optimizemaintenance, ride stability, control or enhance fuel consumption.Considerable scope is available for unique instruments for performanceanalysis or monitoring. Similar examples may be shown effective forrelated environmental, industrial, security, commercial or scientificapplications in general vehicle applications. Vehicles can be aerospace,ground or water platforms. Processes such as industrial extrusion maybenefit from such monitoring techniques. In particular, the foregoingdata substantiate the function of the system to measure curvature andgauge in highway and railroad applications associated with high costmaintenance functions.

As discussed above, requirements exist across the rail industry for thesimple measurement of rail condition including curvature, either bydirect measurement methods (e.g., mechanical gauges) or by inferredmethods. The same requirement exists in highway maintenance andassessment. Tire companies are particularly interested in methodologiesthat allow the assessment of highway grip and/or traction which directlyimpacts achievable vehicle curvature in maneuvering. The presentinvention also details the direct measurement of slip, but for highwaytires, cornering is a complex function of the tire materials, suspensionand related mechanical parameters. Cornering is essentially continuousmeasurement of the vehicle path curvature. Measurement of the curvatureand the surface condition can allow the computation of friction andtire-surface interactions. These concepts were the primarily focus ofthe development of instrumentation for the measurement of highway andrailroad parameters at operational speeds. Other applications exist overa wide spectrum of industrial, commercial, environmental and militaryapplications. They are equally applicable to the assessment ofgeographic topology, industrial trajectory control in manufacturingoperations or other related non-contact operational modalities.

Measurement of Road Surface Structure and Integrity

The inventive method makes use of the fact that the Doppler shift on alaser beam applied to a moving surface has the Doppler bandwidthbroadened in proportion to the height of the surface features and thewidth of those features. The ratio of the instantaneous Dopplerdeviation to the center Doppler frequency is, to a first order, equal tothe ratio of the surface feature height to approximately half of thesurface feature size on a per feature basis.

If the beam is rapidly moved over a surface with multiple featurespresent within an acquisition cycle, peak height and feature widths arealso proportional to the average or RMS quantities. The integration ofthat concept over a large number of samples allows the relationship toremain true as the ratio of the Doppler bandwidth to the centerfrequency changes. That relationship is common to most naturalmaterials, allowing the rapid assessment of surface parameters such asthe surface condition of highway road and railway rail. These latter twoare an immediate focus of the invention, particularly as it relates tothe ability to derive maintenance information such as location andmaintenance condition.

The present invention also provides the ability to use such surfaceparameters to calculate dependent parameters such as displacement,friction, fraction and adhesion for vehicle safety or performanceevaluation. Further, the velocity signatures may be used tosimultaneously assess vehicle or surface dynamics such as displacement(integrated velocity), acceleration (derivative of velocity) and featurespectral characteristics (i.e., frequency of occurrence).

If the simultaneous measurement of deviation velocity and mean velocityvia Doppler techniques is applied to the surface nature of a movingsurface (or a moving sensor), a sensor for the measurement of surfaceparameters may be derived. Surface Feature aspect ratio, h/d, isrevealed to be equal to the ratio of Doppler Bandwidth to a Dopplermean. Such sensors have considerable application in motive applicationssuch as highway and railway maintenance operations, but could be used tomeasure surface figure for disciplines as diverse as medical assessmentof skin disease conditions. Secondary benefits of such an applicationinclude the simultaneous measurement of forward platformvelocity/acceleration/distance/displacement parameters and thesimultaneous measurement of vibration in the structure or platform.

FIG. 41 provides an example of spectral difference between macadam andgravel travel surfaces. The road surface characterization is illustratedin the spectrum provided in FIG. 41( a) where a velocity versus timegraph shows the differences between tire and ground velocity speeds.Based on such measurements, the Doppler shift spectra for both macadamand gravel is illustrated in FIG. 41( b), providing proof that theDoppler shift can be used to characterize travel surfaces.

Numerous arrangements of the present invention are possible such thatcombinations of tangential and translational velocities enable themeasurement or computation of resistance, slip, friction, etc. fordiverse operational surfaces. They are all beholden to the same basicconcepts as outlined herein and as may be utilized or rearranged bythose understanding the art. The present invention may also be augmentedwith the technology disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,561 for addedembodiments and increased functionality, and that disclosure isincorporated by reference herein.

The Bandwidth of a Doppler signal scattered from a Target Surface isproportional to the forward velocity of the beam platform and theinherent geometric factors of the surface materials. The Ratio ofDoppler bandwidth to center frequency is characteristic of the surfacegeometry and material, even when wetted. The Ratio of Doppler bandwidthto center frequency is proportional to the ratio of surface roughness(peak to valley height, h) and ½ the mean surface feature size (d). Theh/d ratio may be used to assess surface integrity and characteristics(e.g., roughness, weathering, degradation, etc.) and may use RMS or Peakgeometric parameters. Between materials, the h/d ratio may be ambiguous,but within a given material presentation, the h/d ratio is a uniqueindicator of its surface condition, integrity, roughness, etc. FourierTransform Wavelet or related mathematical analyses of the h/d timeseries is capable of identifying the spectral nature of repetitivefeatures on the surfaces interrogated, and integration of specificparameters allows the determination of feature displacement or geometricextend. In FIG. 42, the features of the present invention areillustrated.

FIG. 42 illustrates the following:

-   -   h=Mean or RIMS Geometric Surface Depth/Roughness    -   d=½ Mean or RMS Geometric Extent (Mean a RMS)    -   Doppler=Doppler Mean+Doppler Surface    -   Doppler Surface=h/(d/Doppler Mean)=Doppler Bandwidth    -   Doppler Bandwidth/Doppler Mean=h/d.

Micro-power Doppler LIDAR sensors use the fact that velocity generates achange in the frequency of the light scattered from a moving object. Thefrequency change is 580 KHz per mile per hour, is detected by “coherent”RF techniques and distance & acceleration is determined from derivativesor integrals. The signal is generally buried in noise and is recoveredby averaging techniques. The effect of such averaging techniques isillustrated in FIG. 43, where FIG. 43( a) shows no averaging, FIG. 43(b) shows the result of 100 averages and FIG. 43( c) shows the results of10,000 averages. The size of the external optics depends mostly on therange to the scattering surface, and does not depend on the nature ofthe scattering surface.

With respect to Doppler surface measurement concepts, the bandwidth of aDoppler signal scattered from a target surface is proportional to theforward velocity of the beam platform and the inherent geometric factorsof the surface materials. The ratio of Doppler bandwidth to centerfrequency is characteristic of the surface geometry and material, evenwhen wetted. It is also often characteristic of various modalvibrations. The ratio of Doppler bandwidth to center frequency isproportional to the ratio of surface roughness (peak to valley height,h) and half the mean surface feature size (d), where the hid Ratio maybe used to assess surface integrity and characteristics (e.g.,roughness, weathering, degradation, etc) and may use RMS or Peakgeometric parameters.

With respect to the highway applications, the h/d ratio is demonstratedto accurately reflect the surface nature, condition and integrity of ahighway across a wide range of material properties and conditions. Itshould be noted that the h/d ratio can be ambiguous between materialsystems, e.g., new concrete has a higher hid ratio than new asphalt dueto the aspect ratio of the respective aggregates but within a givenmaterial system, the h/d ratio is an accurate predictor of surfacefigure, degradation or condition. In other words the h/d ratio may starthigh and wear low or vice versa depending on the material properties.

The present invention also demonstrates the ability to measuredifferential velocities such as represented by the disclosed sensorscenario and derive or infer primary or secondary information from thebasic velocity data. Velocity difference measurements from fractions ofan inch to over 20 meters away from objects have been demonstrated andvelocities from 0.005 m/s to over 1000 m/s have been measured. The tablebelow gives a comparison between physically measured material surfaceparameters, and those measured with the disclosed technique for highwaysurfaces.

TABLE 1 Material Measurements Doppler Measurements Typical (min) maxTypical (min) (max) Stone/gravel Packed Dirt 0.34 0.88 Large, Loose 0.441.23 0.45 0.84 Small, loose 0.11 2.07 Pothole Edge, small 0.20 PotholeEdge, Large 0.16 Asphalt New, fine coarse 0.33 0.50 0.03 0.34 1 Yr old0.40 0.47 0.04 0.287 Weathered 0.28 0.40 0.04 1.2 Rough 0.28 0.31 0.450.72 Striated 0.64 2.60 0.84 Galled 0.11 0.50 0.84 Patched 0.04 1.020.04 1.2 Abraded Abcess 0.11 0.19 Rub Strip 0.33 0.70 1+ Concrete Smooth0.25 0.57 Brushed 0.15 0.67 Slope Finish 0.01 Grooved surface 0.37 2.490.46 Weathered 0.05 0.13 Cracked 0.56 Galled 0.60 0.58 Wear Depressions0.01 0.08 Edge Finish 2.50

Time series measurements using the present invention allow for the rapidlocation of out of bounds material or vibrational conditions for aspectrum of industrial processes, including condition based maintenance.An h/d time series from the gauge face of a railroad rail is presentedin FIG. 44, identifying a portion of a rail gauge face surface abradedby wheel flange contact.

In addition to TABLE 1, the spectra from a number of travel surfaces arealso provided in FIG. 45. Based on those spectra, the h/d ratiosprovided in FIG. 46 can be determined and used to differentiate andcharacterize those travel surfaces.

Again, as a sample of a particular application of the present invention,requirements exist across the rail industry for the simple measurementof rail condition, either by direct measurement methods (e.g.,mechanical gauges) or by inferred methods. The same requirement existsin highway maintenance and assessment. Tire companies are particularlyinterested in methodologies that allow the assessment of highway gripand/or traction. The direct measurement of slip can be determined, butfor highway tires, friction is a complex function of the tireparameters, tire materials and the surface materials. Measurement of theslip and the surface condition allows the computation of friction andtire-surface interaction.

Other applications exist over a wide spectrum of industrial, commercial,environmental, military, sports and military applications. The presentinvention may be applied to surface crack detection in materials or maybe used to characterize terrestrial topography (including ocean wavespectra-sea state conditions).

With respect to Doppler measurements of micro-level road surfaceintegrity and characteristics for highway applications, the goal isultimately to assess road surface integrity, road surface condition andautomotive traction and friction parameters as derived from modeling.The characteristics of technique include beam focal characteristics toyield on-surface footprints significantly smaller than typical laserbased, and ranging surface topology measuring instrumentation. Theinvention is not generally used without scanning mechanisms and scanvelocity compensation to survey swaths of large geometric extent, ratherprecision interrogation of discrete longitudinal paths at micro & macrolevels. The system also has a high sensitivity with very low power,using eye-safe 1.5 um optical fiber systems which are lower cost thanother optical systems, and are also robust systems with high deploymentspeeds >60 mph. Also, water/ice/snow on a surface to be characterizedtend to increase the dynamic range and slightly lower h/d Ratios but donot appear to otherwise disrupt measurement.

With respect to railroad applications, other aspects also need to beconsidered. In characterizing rail surfaces, both the top of the railand the gauge face need to be characterized, as illustrated in FIG. 44.FIG. 47 shows the surface roughness on the lower face, gauge surface,providing a h/d ratio and FIG. 48 shows abrasion on the left rail top,right flange engagement zone. More specific results are also providedbelow in TABLE 2.

TABLE 2 Rail Surface h/d ratio comment Locomotive Wheel .016-.059Tangential Track .059-1.0 Rapidly Slowing Loco- motive 0.75-2.33 InitialStartup, drag- ging left flange Left Top 0.043374 Tangential track LeftGauge Flex 0.028504 Tangential track Left Top 0.427403 In left curveRight Flange and Left Tread Loaded Left Gauge Face 0.02008 In left handcurve Left Top 0.052329 Slow Speed Data Left Gauge Face 0.03607 LeftLower, inside Gauge 0.761794 Flange Engagement Surf Right Lower, insideGauge 0.052395 Surface that is not Surf engaged by the wheel flange.Left Left Rail Surface Fig 0.380526 Left Curves Right Right Rail SurfaceFig 0.217179 Left Left Rail Surface Fig 0.352228 Right Curves RightRight Rail Surface Fig 0.180588 Left Left Rail Surface Fig 0.178917Tangential Track Right Right Rail Surface Fig 0.138513 Tangential TrackLeft Lower, inside Gauge 0.048341 Tangential section Surf with a roadcrossing Ballast Ballast 0.027398 Ballast beam angle may suppress theh/d ratio Right Lower, inside Gauge 0.055349 Surf

Additional embodiments are also illustrated in FIGS. 49 and 50. FIG. 49illustrates the position of the ballast beam with respect to the rails.As illustrated in FIG. 50, roughness measured shows the roughness of theright rail with the ballast and shows the erosion of the ballast bed.

The h/d ratio may be used to profile other surfaces such as organic orinorganic materials, ocean/topographical surfaces, roofing, skin, etc.,for characterization of a range of surface parameters including, but notlimited to, roughness, friction, traction, flaw-blemish, etc. The h/dratio for a surface may be accurately assessed by laser Dopplertechniques including LIDAR, e.g., optical fiber LIDAR. The surfaces maybe scanned by moving the Doppler system or by scanning the beam aloneand using the induced Doppler and the surfaces may be wetted, ice orsnow covered. Optical fiber LIDARs provide cost effective, eye-safeinstrumentation for assessing highway surface parameters at high speed.

In the present invention, it is to be understood that while the currentinvention is explained in terms of light based sensors, particularlycoherent light or laser based sensors, other forms or combinations offorms of coherent radiant energy may be employed to accomplish themeasurement methodologies and techniques; i.e., RF/electromagneticemissions, acoustic, etc. As an example, Radar beams may be used in themethods provided that the energy transduction function has sufficientspatial resolution to accomplish the requisite sensor task. Forinstance, a light beam may be paired with a standard Radar apparatus inmeasuring wheel tangential velocity and vehicle speed respectively forslip, lock or frictional type methods. Hence combinations of suchradiant energy methods are inherent in the disclosed techniques, methodsand sensors.

In the present invention, it is also to be understood that while guidedwave devices (e.g. optical fibers) have been used to implement themethods, free-space or non-guided beams may be used as well. In thissense the methodologies and sensors claimed may be implemented withtraditional LIDAR techniques that use discrete lasers and opticsseparated by air paths (e.g. free-space systems).

In alternate embodiments, the techniques, methods and inventionsdisclosed are applicable to medical, biomedical and physiological fieldsas well as the primary noted disciplines associated with motiveapplications. In this respect, analysis of walking gait or geriatricstability can be accomplished using differential velocity measurementsanalogous to the measurement of friction and/or torsional slip formotive drives. Additionally the temporal characteristics of velocitysignatures from a physical body can be analyzed to extract derivedparameters such as heart rate, breath rate, flexural speed and diseasestatus.

An example of the latter is the analysis of breathing chest wallvelocity for Doppler bandwidth. The vibration of the chest wall duringexhalation or inhalation gives rise to Doppler bandwidth variations thatmay be used to assess pulmonary disease state. Similar arguments followfor cardiac Doppler signatures registered by non-contact Dopplervelocimetry outside of the body. Physiological parameters such asessential tremor have unique Doppler bandwidth and velocity temporalcharacteristics that we have examined to assess health or diseasecondition. Two Doppler beams placed on the back of a patient duringwalking exercise can be used to derive “sway” stability for themonitoring of physical therapy or geriatric degeneration. Numerous othersensor tasks can be developed by those sufficiently skilled in the stateof the art with regard to derived parameter sensors in physiologicalapplications lair human or other life sciences.

A particular medical embodiment of the Doppler torsional slip conceptwas tested for the monitoring of patient activity in bed confinements.In these conditions, patients must move prescribed amounts in order toavoid bed sores and other medical problems. The difficulty is formedical personnel to assess the “amount” of motion that has or has notbeen achieved. If an eye-safe, Doppler beam is placed in the center ofthe bed, either on the patient or the under bed surface, and a secondbeam is placed off-center on the patient or the tinder bed surface, thedegree, speed and aggressiveness of rotation and translation of the bedand patient may be assessed. The velocity information may be augmentedby integrating and differentiating the velocity signal to yieldbed/patient displacement and acceleration for both rotation anddisplacement of the body. These parameters are direct measures of thepatient's contact with the bed and physical activity. Although a “slip”characteristic is not necessarily assessed, the time (temporal)characteristics of the parameters indicate the level of patientexertion. These parameters can be of substantial value in determiningnot only bed activity, but also in assessing patient distressconditions.

The techniques. methods and inventions disclosed are also applicable tosports apparatus and sports physiological fields as well as the primarynoted disciplines associated with motive applications. With regard tosports apparatus, the trajectory of a thrown, swung or hit element, e.g.golf ball, football, baseball, Frisbee, bat, golf club, etc., isaffected by its spin and/or torsional characteristics and itstranslational characteristics. Analysis of a golf swing, either for therotation of the club or the ball coming off the tee with the methodsdisclosed allows for assessment of the capabilities of the player andthe equipment. In sports physiology, the performance of the athlete isaffected by the ratio of his rotational inertia to his translationalinertia. Measurement of both elements allows the derivation ofperformance parameters suited to assessing or optimizing performance.The forward speed of a football lineman off the line relative to therotational speed of the upper body can be used uniquely to assess,diagnose and optimize specific aspects of the athlete's performance ofpotential in a competition. Slip in sports has an analog of “grip”, i.e.1-degree of slip=degree of grip/adhesion/traction. The methods disclosedfor the measurement of torsional slip apply to configuring a sensor forthe measurement of traction in athletic footwear, again for either theequipment (shoe, ski, roller skate, etc.) or the user (athlete).

The foregoing examples demonstrate the ability of the disclosed Dopplertechniques to adapt to a wide variety of mechanical elements forperformance assessments of parameters such as surface roughness,condition and integrity that may be used via numerical modeling toderive traction, adhesion, slip, or friction that are difficult to dowith existing techniques. The ability to simultaneously provideperformance assessments of surface parameters at the micro or macrolevel, in particular an h/d Ratio can allow for a wide scope of sensorfunctions from maintenance to feedback control of drive mechanisms tooptimize ride stability, control or enhance fuel consumption.

Considerable scope is available for unique instruments for performanceanalysis or monitoring. Similar examples may be shown effective formedical, environmental, industrial, security, commercial, sports orscientific applications. In particular, the foregoing data substantiatethe function of the system to assess surface condition and integrity inhighway and railroad applications associated with high cost maintenancefunctions. While the supporting data was developed using Doppler opticalfiber LIDAR instrumentation any coherent laser capable of implementingcoherent Doppler functions may be used.

The present invention uses Laser Doppler velocimetry specifically toproduce new products for highway/rail safety and maintenance. Thepresent invention can be used in any form of Laser Doppler systems, buthas been demonstrated through the use of optical fiber laser Dopplervelocimeters. The present invention is also an improvement to existingmethods of measuring highway/rail surface integrity, in that it allowsinspection of the surface condition from the macro level down to themicro level at full operational highway or rail speeds. This is inmarked contrast to larger, expensive, laser based ranging systems withlimited spatial resolution on the highway that require reducedoperational speeds to interrogate the surface.

The torsional slip methodology has inherent in its science the abilityto extend the range of measured parameters beyond slip/drag/rotationalvelocity to second tier or derived measurements. Hence the methodologyof the present invention also includes the ability to derive additionalparameters from the measurement scenario related to time-space datarequirements, functional performance or other derived parameters. In aspecific example, the ability to use velocity data from multiple spatialpoints on rail or automotive wheels and the vehicle body in a waysidesensing application enables the calculation wheel diameter from thevelocity information. Such an ability enables functional applicationssuch automated wheel “wear” detection in trackside monitor systems onrolling stock that is in motion at track operational speeds. Wheel wearand condition is a major issue for the rail industry that enables “justin time” maintenance functions for rolling stock, obviating timeconsuming visual inspections and maximizing safety. Properly located,the beam(s) that measures the velocity parameters can inspect thesurface of the wheel, further extending the concept of derived parametersensing.

While the invention has been described in terms of preferredembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

1. A method for measuring properties of a travel vehicle or a travelsurface, upon which the travel vehicle travels, comprising: providing anincident light from a light source to the travel surface; collectinglight reflected from the travel surface; determining a surface inducedDoppler shift from the incident and collected light; and determining atleast one of a motion property of the travel vehicle and a surfaceproperty of the travel surface based on the determined surface inducedDoppler shift.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the step ofdetermining at least one of a motion property of the travel vehicle anda surface property of the travel surface comprises determining atorsional slip of a rotating surface of a contact between the travelvehicle and travel surface.
 3. The method as in claim 1, wherein thestep of determining at least one of a motion property of the travelvehicle and a surface property of the travel surface comprisesdetermining surface feature aspect ratio of the travel surface.
 4. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the step of determining at least one of amotion property of the travel vehicle and a surface property of thetravel surface comprises determining a degree of curvature of the travelsurface.
 5. A method for measuring torsional slip, comprising: measuringa tangential velocity of a surface rotating about an axis via a Dopplershifted return of a first laser beam; measuring a translational velocityof the axis via a Doppler shifted return of a second laser beam; andderiving a torsional slip of the rotating surface from the differencebetween the tangential velocity and the translational velocity.
 6. Amethod as in claim 5, wherein the rotating surface is a drive surface ofa wheel mounted on an axle of a vehicle carriage, the axle being theaxis.
 7. A method as in claim 6, wherein the wheel is a steel wheel of alocomotive.
 8. A method as in claim 6, wherein the first and secondlaser beams are generated by respective optical units mounted on saidvehicle carriage, the first laser beam being directed to a rotating sidesurface of the wheel and the second laser beam being directed to asurface being driven by said wheel.
 9. A method as in claim 7, whereinthe first and second laser beams are generated by respective opticalunits mounted at trackside, the first laser beam being directed to arotating side surface of the wheel and the second laser beam beingdirected to an axle mount of the wheel.
 10. A method as in claim 8,wherein the Doppler shifted return of the first laser beam is used tocalculate the angular velocity of the wheel, and the tangential velocityis calculated from the angular velocity and a radius of the wheel.
 11. Amethod as in claim 5, further comprising extracting a measurement of awheel diameter the torsional characteristics and velocitycharacteristics.
 12. A method as in claim 5, further comprisingextracting a frictional value from the torsional slip of the rotatingsurface.
 13. A method for measuring torsional slip, comprising: usingfirst and second laser beams to simultaneously generate respective firstand second Doppler shifted return beams from a first surface rotatingabout an axis and from a second surface, wherein movement of the secondsurface corresponds to the translational velocity of the axis;processing the respective Doppler shifted return beams to determine,respectively, a tangential velocity of the rotating surface and atranslational velocity of the axis; and deriving the torsional slip ofthe rotating surface from the difference between the tangential velocityand the translational velocity.
 14. A method as in claim 13, wherein therotating surface is a side surface of a wheel mounted on an axle of avehicle carriage, the axle being the axis.
 15. A method as in claim 14,wherein the wheel is a steel wheel of a locomotive.
 16. A method as inclaim 14, wherein the first and second laser beams are generated byrespective optical units mounted on the vehicle carriage, the firstlaser beam being directed to the side surface of the wheel and thesecond laser beam being directed to a surface being driven by the wheel.17. A method as in claim 15, wherein the first and second laser beamsare generated by respective optical units mounted at trackside, thefirst laser beam being directed to the side surface of the wheel and thesecond laser beam being directed to an axle mount of the wheel.
 18. Amethod as in claim 16, wherein the Doppler shifted return of the firstlaser beam is used to calculate the angular velocity of the wheel, andthe tangential velocity is calculated from the angular velocity and aradius of the wheel.
 19. An apparatus for measuring torsional slip,comprising: means for using a Doppler shifted return of a first laserbeam to measure tangential velocity of a surface rotating about an axis;means for using a Doppler shifted return of a second laser beam tomeasure translational velocity of the axis; and means for deriving thetorsional slip of the rotating surface from the difference between thetangential velocity and the translational velocity.
 20. An apparatus asin claim 19, wherein the rotating surface is a drive surface of a wheelmounted on an axle of a vehicle carriage, the axle being the axis. 21.An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein said wheel is a steel wheel of alocomotive.
 22. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the first andsecond laser beams are generated by respective optical units mounted onsaid vehicle carriage, the first laser beam being directed to a rotatingside surface of the wheel and the second laser beam being directed to asurface being driven by the wheel.
 23. An apparatus as in claim 21,wherein said first and second laser beams are generated by respectiveoptical units mounted at trackside, said first laser beam being directedto a rotating side surface of said wheel and said second laser beambeing directed to an axle mount of said wheel.
 24. An apparatus as inclaim 22, wherein the Doppler shifted return of the first laser beam isused to calculate the angular velocity of the wheel, and the tangentialvelocity is calculated from the angular velocity and a radius of thewheel.
 25. An apparatus as in claim 24, wherein a spectral processor isused to determine velocity data from the Doppler shifted return of thefirst laser beam, and the velocity data from the spectral processor isused to calculate the angular velocity of the wheel.
 26. An apparatus asin claim 20, further comprising: mean for using a Doppler shifted returnof a third laser beam to measure tangential velocity of a second wheelmounted on the axis, wherein the first and third laser beams aregenerated by respective optical units mounted on the vehicle carriage,the first laser beam being directed to a rotating side surface of thewheel and the second laser beam being directed to a rotating sidesurface of the second wheel; and means for deriving the relativetorsional slip of the wheel and the second wheel from the respectivetangential velocities of the wheel and the second wheel.
 27. A methodfor determining characteristics of a travel surface while traveling onthe travel surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing anincident light from a light source to travel surface; collecting lightreflected from the travel surface; determining a surface induced Dopplershift from the incident and collected light; and determining surfacefeature aspect ratio based on the determined surface induced Dopplershift.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the travel surface is ahighway surface and the step of collecting light comprises collectinglight reflected from the highway surface.
 29. The method of claim 27,wherein the travel surface is a railroad surface and the step ofcollecting light comprises collecting light reflected from the railroadsurface.
 30. The method of claim 27, further comprising determiningslip, resistance or friction for the travel surface based on thedetermined surface feature aspect ratio.
 31. An apparatus fordetermining characteristics of a travel surface while traveling on thetravel surface, comprising: means for providing all incident light froma light source to travel surface; means for collecting light reflectedfrom the travel surface; means for determining a surface induced Dopplershift from the incident and collected light; and means for determiningsurface feature aspect ratio based on the determined surface inducedDoppler shift.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the travel surfaceis a highway surface and the means for collecting light comprises meansfor collecting light reflected from the highway surface.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 31, wherein the travel surface is a railroad surfaceand the means for collecting light comprises means for collecting lightreflected from the railroad surface.
 34. The apparatus of claim 31,further comprising means for determining slip, resistance or frictionfor the travel surface based on the determined surface feature aspectratio.
 35. A method for determining characteristics of a travel surfacewhile traveling on the travel surface, the method comprising the stepsof: providing a first optical sensor on one side of a vehicle travelingon the travel surface; providing a second optical sensor on an oppositeside of the vehicle traveling on the travel surface, where the one sideand the opposite side are on opposite sides of the vehicle andperpendicular to a direction of travel; collecting light reflected fromthe travel surface by the first and second optical sensors; determininginduced Doppler shifts from the light collected by the first and secondoptical sensors; and determining at least one characteristic of thetravel surface based on the determined induced Doppler shifts.
 36. Themethod of claim 35, wherein the travel surface is a highway surface andthe step of determining at least one characteristic of the travelsurface comprises determining a decree of curvature of the highwaysurface.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the travel surface is arailroad surface and the step of determining, at least onecharacteristic of the travel surface comprises determining a degree ofcurvature of the railroad surface.
 38. The method of claim 35, whereinthe travel surface is a railroad surface and the step of determining atleast one characteristic of the travel surface comprises determining agauge variance of the railroad surface.
 39. A apparatus for determiningcharacteristics of a travel surface while traveling on the travelsurface, comprising: first means for optically sensing reflected lighton one side of a vehicle traveling on the travel surface; second meansfor optically sensing reflected light on an opposite side of the vehicletraveling on the travel surface, where the one side and the oppositeside are on opposite sides of the vehicle and perpendicular to adirection of travel; means for determining induced Doppler shifts fromthe light collected by the first and second means for optically sensingreflected light; and means for determining at least one characteristicof the travel surface based on the determined induced Doppler shifts.40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the travel surface is a highwaysurface and the means for determining at least one characteristic of thetravel surface comprises means for determining a degree of curvature ofthe highway surface.
 41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the travelsurface is a railroad surface and the means for determining at least onecharacteristic of the travel surface comprises means for determining adegree of curvature of the railroad surface.
 42. The apparatus of claim39, wherein the travel surface is a railroad surface and the means fordetermining at least one characteristic of the travel surface comprisesmeans for determining a gauge variance of the railroad surface.
 43. Amethod for measuring patient characteristics, comprising the steps of:providing an incident light from a light source to a surface ofpatient's body; collecting light reflected from the surface of patient'sbody; determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incident andcollected light; and determining at least one patient characteristicbased on the determined surface induced Doppler shift.
 44. A method asin claim 43, wherein the at least one patient characteristic is ameasurement of heart or pulmonary rate as extracted from the determinedsurface induced Doppler shift.
 45. A method as in claim 43, wherein theat least one patient characteristic is a measurement of a skin surfaceof the patient from the determined surface induced Doppler shift.
 46. Amethod as in claim 43, wherein the at least one patient characteristicis a measurement of a motional stability of the patient from thedetermined surface induced Doppler shift.
 47. A method as in claim 46,wherein the at least one patient characteristic is a measurement ofmotion of the patient from the determined surface induced Doppler shiftand the method further comprises alerting technicians about motionsbeyond predetermined limits.
 48. A method for measuring characteristicsof athletic equipment, comprising the steps of: providing an incidentlight from a light source to a surface of the athletic equipment;collecting light reflected from the surface of the athletic equipment;determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incident andcollected light; and determining at least one motion-basedcharacteristic based on the determined surface induced Doppler shift.49. A method as in claim 48, wherein the athletic equipment is a golfball and the step of determining at least one motion-basedcharacteristic comprises determining at least one a spin and atrajectory of the golf ball.
 50. A method as in claim 48, wherein theathletic equipment is a golf club and the step of determining at leastone motion-based characteristic comprises determining at least one aspin and a trajectory of the golf ball.
 51. A method as in claim 48,wherein the step of determining at least one motion-based characteristiccomprises determining a spin, a trajectory, a torsion or a slip in theathletic equipment.
 52. A method as in claim 48, wherein the athleticequipment is sporting footwear and the step of determining at least onemotion-based characteristic comprises determining traction of thesporting footwear with a playing surface.